Chapter 110
Chapter 110
The final order was Xiao Song, Yang Ke, Baili Qianqiu, Little Red, then Qin Musong. Separating the two strongest men would reassure the other three.
Xiao Song was still devastated by Brother Wang’s death, so he would go first. Timid Little Red stood between the two experts. This arrangement gave everyone the best chance of returning.
Before the appointed time, everyone sat outside. Xiao Song huddled between Old Zhao and Su Yang, trembling as he said he did not want to go.
Old Zhao sighed. “I know you’re scared, but you drew the lot. Everyone is protecting you. Going first means the lowest chance of trouble.”
Su Yang added, “The game isn’t that difficult. The others are reliable. You’ll be fine.”
When Xiao Song remained terrified, Su Yang scratched his hair. “Honestly, I envy you. If you’re too scared, just close the door. Everyone here is afraid. Who can promise they won’t protect themselves first?”
Xiao Song froze, then nervously bit his nails.
Cheng Miao handed the Fishbone Dagger to Qin Musong, ignoring his refusal. “I’m safe outside. A handgun attacks at range. If something binds your movements, the dagger may be more useful.”
When he still hesitated, she shoved it into his arms. “Take it. Return it if you don’t use it.”
Qin Musong smiled helplessly and tucked it into his waistband. He disliked the Space Backpack. As a professional soldier, he handled weapons better than ordinary players.
When the time came, Baili Qianqiu stood and stretched, then led the way into Room 201. The five took their places, Xiao Song at the front.
The room’s lights were off, but it was not pitch-black like Brother Wang had described. Xiao Song opened the bedroom door. Inside was absolute darkness; even the bed was invisible.
He swallowed. His feet refused to move.
“Go,” Baili Qianqiu ordered coldly from behind Yang Ke.
Xiao Song shut his eyes, gritted his teeth, and entered. The door closed behind him.
He hurried seven steps, bowed into the darkness, and ran back without pausing. He seemed to hear something, but his pounding heart and ragged breaths drowned it out. Hyperventilation made him dizzy.
Miraculously, his hand found the door. He knocked three times.
Yang Ke opened it and looked behind him, his expression changing but not panicking. Reassured, Xiao Song watched Yang Ke blow twice behind him, then relax and wave him in.
Tears streamed down Xiao Song’s face. He escaped, closed the door, and took the last place. Qin Musong patted his shoulder in praise.
It’s over, Xiao Song thought. I’m safe.
Yang Ke entered next after silently encouraging himself. He moved quickly, but as he turned back, he heard something behind him.
Why did it sound like his parents?
The thought frightened Yang Ke more than the sound. This was a horror game. His parents could not be here. Do not turn around!
He half ran back, found the door by touch, and knocked with a shaking hand.
Baili Qianqiu’s stunning face appeared. Yang Ke almost forgot his fear and joked inwardly that beauty could give courage.
Baili Qianqiu’s expression did not change as he looked behind Yang Ke. He blew twice symbolically, then beckoned. “Come back. Close the door.”
Yang Ke obeyed at once. He had meant to warn the beautiful man, but Baili Qianqiu clearly needed none.
With an unlit cigarette between his lips, Baili Qianqiu adjusted his gold-rimmed glasses and entered without hesitation.
Yang Ke craned his head forward from the back of the line. Look at that. Baili Qianqiu had not paused for even an instant. He really was amazing.
He soon returned. Little Red saw him and the thing behind him and began trembling, tears pouring down her face.
Qin Musong, tall enough to see clearly over her, frowned and placed a steady, warm hand on her shoulder. His gentlemanly reassurance calmed her enough to blow behind Baili Qianqiu. Only after a long while did she speak in a trembling voice.
“I-it’s gone.”
Baili Qianqiu closed the door. Passing Qin Musong, he whispered, “The last one must be careful.”
Qin Musong nodded his thanks, then told Little Red gently, “Don’t worry. I’ll be outside. No matter what appears, I won’t close the door.”
He was the only person able to reassure her. The other men lacked experience, while Baili Qianqiu was too aloof.
Little Red nodded tearfully and entered the bedroom.
She walked slowly through the darkness. She could see nothing and did not dare reach out to feel her way, afraid her hand might touch something.
Fortunately, none of the horrifying scenes she imagined came to pass. She breathed out and turned back.
“Qianqian… Qianqian…”
Little Green’s voice!
Little Red covered her ears and ran. The less she thought about it, the softer it became; whenever she focused on it, the sound made her temples throb and tempted her to turn.
In despair, she remembered Qin Musong’s words. She only had to get out.
Repeating that thought, she forced aside every question about Little Green. When the door opened, her face was streaked with tears. Qin Musong stepped back slightly but remained calm. He blew toward the doorway, caught her when her legs failed, and closed the door.
“You did well.”
“There are voices inside,” Little Red warned. “Don’t listen.”
With time running short, Qin Musong patted her shoulder and entered. His wolf-sharp eyes narrowed in the dark. He strode seven steps, bowed, and returned.
“Daddy… Daddy…” A little girl’s giggle sounded behind him, as close as if she were perched on his shoulder and speaking into his ear.